Pakistan and India exchanged sharp accusations during a debate at the United Nations (UN) Security Council on the protection of civilians, with Islamabad accusing New Delhi of terrorism, repression and violating international law.
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The diplomatic exchange took place after India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Harish Parvathaneni, criticised Pakistan’s human rights record and accused it of failing to uphold international humanitarian obligations. He also repeated allegations linked to an attack on a hospital in Kabul earlier this year.
Responding to the remarks, Pakistan’s representative Saima Saleem rejected the accusations and said India was attempting to portray itself as a victim despite what she described as its own actions in the region.
India is a country that exports terrorism abroad, occupies people by force, persecutes minorities at home, weaponizes water, commits aggression in the region, and then tries to lecture others on the protection of civilians.
While Pakistan stands for peace, dialogue, peaceful… pic.twitter.com/vMPmALtNO4
— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) May 21, 2026
Right of Reply by Counsellor, Ms. Saima Saleem
In Response to Remarks by India during the Security Council Annual Debate on the Protection of Civilians
(20 May 2026)
****Mr. President,
Today, India once again came to this Council wearing the mask of a victim — but the world… pic.twitter.com/KAICgoYeUl
— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) May 21, 2026
Saleem accused India of supporting militant groups involved in attacks inside Pakistan and claimed that organisations such as the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, the Balochistan Liberation Army and the Majeed Brigade had carried out violence against Pakistani civilians with support from across the border.
Commenting on Afghanistan, she said Pakistan’s counter-terrorism operations targeted militant hideouts and infrastructure used to launch attacks against the country. She rejected allegations by the Afghan Taliban and India regarding civilian harm, describing them as part of a misinformation campaign.
The Pakistani envoy also criticised India’s policies in disputed Kashmir, saying civilians in the region continued to face repression and denial of self-determination. She further alleged discrimination against minorities in India and accused New Delhi of using water as a political tool through its stance on the Indus Waters Treaty.
Saleem said Pakistan remained committed to peaceful dialogue, respect for sovereignty and resolving disputes in accordance with the UN Charter and Security Council resolutions.
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The exchange highlighted continuing tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours on issues related to regional security, Kashmir and cross-border militancy.